Devon MP hits out at Prime Minister’s ‘vague’ reply on small business support

South West Devon MP Rebecca Smith has launched a new survey for local small businesses after raising concerns about their challenges during Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) this week.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Ms Smith called on the Prime Minister to outline what support the Government will offer small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) ahead of the forthcoming Budget on 26 November.

During PMQs, she said she would be launching a small business survey later that day to hear directly from the 3,000 SMEs across her constituency, which employ thousands of local people.

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Ms Smith asked the Prime Minister: “Will he tell my constituents that he has heard the pleas of SMEs and their fright about the Budget, that he will scrap business rates for hospitality and leisure as well as the family business and family farm taxes, and that his Government will commit themselves to no further tax rises for business?”

In response, the Prime Minister said: “Just a few months ago we published our small business strategy, which was based on what small businesses said to us. I will make a copy available to the hon. Lady so that she can give one to each of her constituents before they respond to the survey.”

Following the exchange, Ms Smith expressed disappointment with the response, describing it as “vague” and lacking in concrete reassurance for local businesses.

She said: “Small business owners are working tirelessly to keep their doors open. The Prime Minister could have committed the Government to adopting the fully funded Conservative policy to scrap business rates, but instead his response offered little comfort to the people who are at the heart of our communities and local economy.”

The new survey, launched the same afternoon, invites business owners across South West Devon to share their views and experiences from the past 15 months, as well as their concerns ahead of the Budget.

Ms Smith added: “Our local businesses are not just statistics; they are the lifeblood of South West Devon. They need clarity, support, and practical measures to survive and thrive. This survey will ensure their voices are heard when decisions are made at Westminster.”

Business owners across South West Devon can take part in the survey online at: https://www.rebecca-smith.org.uk/news/rebecca-launches-survey-hear-small-businesses